Pigeon Control
Feral pigeons (Columba livia) are attracted by the warmth and shelter that our urban environment provides. Originally descended from rock doves, pigeons are now widespread in cities, towns and in rural areas. Pigeons can harbour a variety of diseases and parasitic insects on their bodies. Pigeon droppings and pigeon nests are a public health concern. Effective pigeon control is best achieved using an integrated approach. As pigeon control specialists, we will recommend the most effective measures for your site.
Pigeon Biology and Behaviour
- Pigeons have a life-span of about four years
- They like to build their nests under bridges, buildings or any structure that provides shelter.
- Both the male and female pigeon will take part in buiding their nest, which they build out of twigs, leaves, and even litter such as bits of plastic or wire
- The nest can become thick with droppings
- Pigeons usually lay two eggs, which take approximately 18 days to hatch
- Baby pigeons do not leave the nest until they are fully feathered and able to fly, that is why you do not normally see baby pigeons
- Pigeons are able to breed throughout the year, depending on conditions
- During their main breeding season, which is between March and July, one pair of pigeons can raise up to seven broods (birds produced at one hatching)
- After hatching, the young will be independent in about 30 days.
- The pigeons will lay the next ‘batch’ of eggs even before the previous baby pigeons have left the nest. That is how a pigeon population can grow so quickly.
Free Survey
We will survey the problems being caused by pigeons at your site free of charge, and talk to the people involved to ensure that we understand your pigeon problem. We then complete a comprehensive report that outlines the options available to you for the control and management of pigeons, and specifies our recommended solution as well as detailing all the costs involved.
Management and Control of Pigeons
Pigeons are on a site because it provides the resources that they need, either somewhere to nest, food or water.
Hawk Flying
Hawk flying for pigeon control is a non-lethal deterrent programme, a natural and effective measure, where the aim is not to kill the pigeons but to deter them from the area. The public is supportive of hawk flying for pigeon control, and our clients benefit from positive public relations by dealing with the problems caused by nuisance pigeons in a humand and responsible way.
Unlike other bird scaring devices, pigeons never become habituated to the presence of a live bird of prey.
Pigeon Proofing
Installing anti-pigeons nets, or anti-pigeon spikes will prevent pigeons being able to perch or roost on the structure.
The proofing solution installed may be complex and require several systems to achieve the best possible overall effect. Acting as your trusted partner, our surveyors are free to select any products or systems on the market, from any manufacturer, to achieve the desired effect as well as commissioning bespoke manufactured systems. We select the most suitable systems from the entire range available. All installations are completed by our own fully trained staff utilising the services of specialists where required.
Scaring Systems
Scaring systems, whether that is an audio or visual pigeon scaring system do not work very well for very long. Pigeons adapt very quickly to new things, so scaring systems will have very little long-term effect on a pigeon population.
Self Help Measures
The most important thing you can do to discourage pigeons is to remove access to food. Ensure that all bins are adequately covered and clean up any food spillages. Do not feed the pigeons, and ask everyone using your premises to refrain from feeding the pigeons.
Pigeons, by their nature, will spend much of their time at height, on the top of the building. They come down to ground level mainly to feed, and pigeons are often seen feeding in large flocks where food is available.
Signs that you may have a pigeon problem include
- Seeing lots of pigeons on the roof
- Hearing pigeons from inside your property, especially hearing the cries of young pigeons wanting their parents to feed them
- Finding nesting materials around
- Damage to property or stock
- Blocked drains or gutters, especially if there are pigeon feathers and nesting materials
- Pigeon fouling / droppings at ground level
- Secondary infestations inside the property from bird mites, would indicate that nuisance birds such as pigeons are nesting on the structure of the buiding